If you are considering doctoral study at MSU, then you want to know something about the Lansing area. In short, theLansing area is a wonderful place to live, work, and pursue graduate study. The region's hub is Lansing, the state capital located just 90 miles west of Detroit and 200 miles east of Chicago. The city has a population of 125,000, and is home to Lansing Community College, the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball team, beautiful Oldsmobile Park, Riverfront Plaza, Potter Park Zoo, Impressions 5 Science Museum, and the R.E. Olds Museum.

The region is made up of three counties - Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton - that are home to about 450,000 people spread across a multitude of smaller towns, each with their own distinctive identity. The second largest city in the region is East Lansing, which has a population of 46,000. East Lansing is a strong community of close-knit neighborhoods, excellent public schools, and extensive neighborhood parks. The city's public library is one of the finest in the state and is used regularly by students living off campus to study. Students also use the city's many recreation facilities including the outdoor family aquatic center during the summer, biking and hiking trails year-round and championship soccer and softball fields. The East Lansing Hannah Community Center provides fitness facilities and a pool that many students use regularly.

Because of the many amenities in East Lansing and surrounding areas, quality of life in the region is high. The economy is anchored by state government, MSU, and General Motors. Employment is typically stable, and the region draws labor from throughout mid-Michigan thanks to a mature network of interstate roadways connecting the area with virtually all of the other population centers of the state. Getting around is easy as well, with a typical drive between home and work of about 20 minutes. Public transportation is also readily available through a bus system that serves the campus and surrounding areas.

Grand River Av. East Lansing

The region was recently awarded the "Five Star Quality of Life Quotient" rating by Expansion Management magazine, and is the only area in Michigan receiving this top rating. The economic stability, affordable housing, qualified workforce, advanced education systems, and low cost of living contributed to this high honor. Culture amenities include two community theaters, one equity theater, and the famed Wharton Center for Performing Arts, which annually schedules touring productions of Broadway shows and musical acts from throughout the world. Festivals and celebrations are almost nonstop at the community level, and national championship caliber collegiate athletics are available for the sports fan at MSU, a perennial contender in Big Ten competition.

The region also boasts a strong educational infrastructure. MSU is the center of the education sector, with nearly 45,000 students and a worldwide reputation. Students come from more than 100 countries and throughout the nation. Many of the state's 17 public universities are also represented in the Lansing area offering graduate programs. Cooley Law School, the nation's third largest law school, is based in downtown Lansing, as is Davenport University and Lansing Community College. Michigan Virtual University offers online programming to support K-12 to graduate curriculums and specialized professional development courses.

MSU Campus in Fall

If you are considering doctoral study at MSU and have children, you will be pleased with the quality of public schools available in the region. The area has more than 72,000 students enrolled in its 27 school districts that range from urban to rural. The area is home to some of the best schools in the state. The region also has an extensive system of parochial schools, including Lansing Catholic Central High School and Lansing Christian High School.

Diversity is among the region's strengths. Nearly 19 percent of Lansing's population is African American, and another seven percent is made up of minority groups that include Hispanics and Asians. East Lansing's minority population is about 15 percent. Overall, Ingham County's minority population is more than 20 percent.

Lansing is also recognized as one of the most affordable housing markets in the nation. The median price of a home in Lansing is $51,000, and $97,000 in East Lansing. Rental prices are also affordable and readily available not only near the MSU campus, but throughout the region.

The region has an average temperature of 84 degrees in July, and 30 degrees in January. The average annual rainfall is 31 inches and average annual snowfall is 48 inches.

The Lansing area is only a few hours from many resorts and beaches along Northern Michigan's beautiful coastline. In the winter, Northern Michigan offers many opportunities for skiing and other activities, and in the summer it is a haven for water sports and tourism.

The area is easily accessible by major national airlines, Amtrak railroad, and bus lines. In addition to Capital City Airport, airports in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Flint are within an hour-and-a-half drive.

In summary, the Lansing region has many of the small town amenities that provide a hometown feel, yet still tops the list with city sophistication offering exciting nightlife and attractions. Whether it's our magnificent museums and cultural attractions, stunning gardens and art galleries, outstanding schools, professional theatre or shopping galore, the region is a terrific place to pursue your doctorate.